The other nice thing about ginger is that it’s so versatile, you can include it in almost anything.

You can use it in powder form to add a little spice to desserts, or add some fresh ginger root to a stir-fry for a pop of flavor. You can even boil it to make a tangy tea that will warm you right to the tips of your toes.

And while you’re enjoying the flavor, you’re also doing wonders for your health — and it’s always great when doing good also tastes good!

Check out some of the amazing things ginger can do for you below, and let us know your favorite ginger recipe in the comments!

What Exactly Is Ginger... And What Are Its Benefits?

Maya Borenstein for LittleThings

Ginger is a rhizome in the Zingiberaceae family, and it’s related to turmeric, cardamom, and galangal.

A rhizome is found underground — but it’s actually a stem, not a root!

Ginger has been used for centuries to relieve aches, pains, and ailments of all kinds. It can be used as a spice in all kinds of cooking, as well as brewed to make tea.

Benefit #1: Eases Nausea

Maya Borenstein for LittleThings

Ginger has long been used as a treatment for nausea of all kinds, including sea sickness and the nausea that comes after surgeries and other medical treatments.

Benefit #8: Aids Brain Function

Chronic inflammation, something that ginger combats, are believed to be major factors in the onset of Alzheimer’s disease and other diseases that affect the brain.

Also research suggest that the antioxidants in ginger can reduce inflammation and inhibit the advance of these diseases.

A study involving middle-aged women also showed that taking ginger had a direct effect on the brain, too, and improved their reaction time and memory.

Benefit #9: Could Help Fight Cancer

Maya Borenstein for LittleThings

Though this claim needs much more study before a conclusion can be definitively drawn, some studies suggest that a compound found in raw ginger, 6-gingerol, can greatly reduce the potentially cancer-causing activity in cells.

However, other studies have shown that it has no substantive effect at all.

Though the information we have on the relationship between ginger and cancer is limited, it’s definitely something worth looking into!

Now that you know what ginger can do for you, you might find yourself experimenting a little more with it!

And be sure to SHARE this amazing information with your foodie friends and plan a ginger party!